Q: To what extent do corporations use behaviorial studies to hire individuals? Do human resource departments do studies on individuals behaviors of any nature or do any psychological testing?A: I've been a part of a number of psychological tests or...
Bad Experiences in Interviewing/Hiring
Today I will share with you a few of the comments I've received from readers on their experiences in the hiring process. 1. "One of the worst things a company can do is stop communicating.I had gone through four official...
Document, Discipline, Dismiss
I am often asked questions along the lines of"How do I make this person work harder?""How do I keep this person from coming in late all the time?""XXXXX hasn't done anything productive for the last XXXX months, what can I...
How high is Your MPH level?
Manners, Positivity, Heroics was a book I wrote in 2005 about a methodology called Manners, Positivity, Heroics. When practiced, these three traits can lead to a very productive and vibrant workplace.Manners - As I've explained in a prior entry on...
How to Turn Candidates Down Politely
In my entry earlier this week, I spoke about how to turn down an employer politely. Today, let's look at the flip side; how to turn down candidates who you aren't going to select or have continue on in the...
Managers Working in The Trenches
Q: In a class we talked about an executive from Vodafone who discarded his executive suite and now works everyday with the other employees. My question is this, is it really such a wise move for him to be with...
Behavior Modification and Absenteeism
Q: What are some of the intended consequences of applying behavior modification based on the growing problem of absenteeism and excessive sick leave? A: Behavior modification is meant to be used to reward people for what they do well and...
Over time, Overtime May Be Better Than Undertime
One best practice I saw employed at a retail business was to give employees voluntary overtime on a regular basis rather than hire an additional full-time employee. It enabled the store to keep two or three employees happy. These employees...
Dealing with a Creative but Abrasive Voice
Q: Suppose that you had a very creative member of your team. They're constantly coming up with excellent ideas that should be brought up at meetings. However, this persons etiquette isn't the best. Would you let others voice their ideas and...
Lackitipitis
We encountered a disease I called "lackitipitis" that often occurred on days when restaurant covers were going to be low or their were minimal check ins or checkouts. This disease afflicts tipped employees and results in understaffing and callouts on...